What are the "pros and cons" of the iPhone 4S? Is the iPhone 4S "worth it" for me?

Please note that the iPhone 4S has been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been updated subsequently and can be useful for anyone considering this model on the used market.

Because the iPhone 4S does not support versions of the iOS past iOS 9, which is an increasingly vintage version that does not support many current apps, most users should buy a newer iPhone. However, the iPhone 4S still can work for phone calls, texts, and simple photography as well as music synchronized from a computer and other basic functions, but current app support is limited.

You still may wish to evaluate the pros and cons of the iPhone 4S, nevertheless.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone 4S)

This quick summary may be helpful to make a decision:

Pros:

• Thin, sleek, solid, and "substantial" feeling design (and more compact than subsequent iPhone models).
• Improved antenna design compared to the iPhone 4 generally results in superior reception.
• Beautiful ultra high-resolution "retina" display (960x640, 326 ppi).
• Quality camera for a smart phone is capable of shooting 8 megapixel stills and 1080p 30 FPS video.
• FaceTime videoconferencing is well implemented and can be quite valuable to many users.
• Faster than the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS.
• Battery life is long enough to provide all day use for many.
• Built-in support for dual mode GSM/CDMA, GPS, 3G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.0.
• Dual noise canceling microphones.
• High-quality pre-installed applications, including a "desktop class" web browser, HTML capable e-mail client, and integrated Google Maps, as well as the potential for thousands of third-party applications via the AppStore.
• Siri, although not perfect, can be a helpful time saver.
• Limited support to read and edit Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Relatively inexpensive if tied to an often expensive contract.

Cons:

• No support for iOS 10 or later versions of the iOS, including the current version.
• Glass front and glass back, although designed to withstand considerable impact, may still be prone to damage.
• Camera lacks optical zoom.
• Slower than the iPad 2.
• Battery life can be short when intensively used for 3D gaming.
• Micro SIM card may be a hassle when traveling (although a Mini SIM can be cut down to fit).
• Unlocked and contract-free models are considerably more expensive than the iPod touch line and Apple has disabled the CDMA capability on officially unlocked models.

Ultimately, if you need a smartphone, the iPhone 4S remains a valid choice although it no longer supports the current version of the iOS, so current app support is increasingly unlikely. However, it remains usable for those who do not need recent apps or fast performance.